How much cash should I carry?

How much cash should I carry

Budget $200–$400 USD in clean post-2013 bills ($1, $5, $10, $20 denominations—no coins) for a 7–10 day Uganda safari covering tips, porters ($15–$20 per gorilla trek), bottled water, SIM cards, and small purchases. ATMs in Kampala and Entebbe dispense Ugandan shillings (~3,700–3,900 UGX per USD); lodges and park gates accept USD for tips and extras but cards work mainly at upscale properties.

Budget $200–$400 USD in clean post-2013 bills ($1, $5, $10, $20 denominations—no coins) for a 7–10 day Uganda safari covering tips, porters ($15–$20 per gorilla trek), bottled water, SIM cards, and small purchases. ATMs in Kampala and Entebbe dispense Ugandan shillings (~3,700–3,900 UGX per USD); lodges and park gates accept USD for tips and extras but cards work mainly at upscale properties.

Key Planning Points

These practical notes help you turn the direct answer above into a workable safari plan:

• Budget $200–$400 USD in clean post-2013 bills ($1, $5, $10, $20 denominations—no coins) for a 7–10 day Uganda safari covering tips, porters ($15–$20 per gorilla trek), bottled water, SIM cards, and small purchases.
• ATMs in Kampala and Entebbe dispense Ugandan shillings (~3,700–3,900 UGX per USD); lodges and park gates accept USD for tips and extras but cards work mainly at upscale properties.

Costs, Permits, and Logistics

Confirm current fees when you book — tariffs are set by national park authorities and can change by season or residency status.

• Uganda gorilla permits are $800 per person (UWA); Rwanda Volcanoes permits are $1,500 (RDB).
• Book gorilla permits before lodges — daily quotas are limited in Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes.
• Trekking starts with a morning briefing; porters ($15–$20) help on steep forest trails.
• Permits and park fees are fixed; savings usually come from lodge tier, vehicle sharing, and season.
• All-inclusive packages clarify what is bundled versus paid locally (tips, drinks, optional activities).
• Queen Elizabeth NP entry is about $40/day; Murchison Falls about $45/day (foreign non-resident rates).

Sample Itinerary Shape

Most travellers anchor the trip around one flagship experience (gorilla trek, migration, or Big Five loop), then add supporting nights for chimps, boat safaris, or cultural stops. Avoid stacking long drives on the same day as a primate trek.

Booking With a Licensed Operator

Uganda Safari Tours coordinates permits, park entries, lodge blocks, and private 4x4 logistics so your itinerary matches the advice on this page. Share your travel month, group size, and comfort level for a quote with transparent inclusions.